THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY/LA COMUNIDAD de PAZ DEL CONDADO de IONIA welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community (www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) where we recognize our
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THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY/LA COMUNIDAD de PAZ DEL CONDADO de IONIA welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community (www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) where we recognize our interdependence and use our diversity and different gifts to enrich the whole.

For more information or to become a member, email ioniacountypeace@gmail.com, call 616-527-7163 or like us on Facebook. Visit our website at ioniacountypeacecommunity.org.

This is a great opportunity to buy gifts that benefit the environment and your wallet. These could include memberships to nature centers, hand-made and homemade gifts, gardening items or long lasting "environmental'' gifts like a solar battery charger with rechargeable batteries, water conserving shower heads or ceramic mugs. For kids, consider giving rechargeable batteries for their electronic gadgets, a camping trip or a gift certificate to a museum.

Use recycled and reusable materials in your gift wrapping and packaging. Buy recycled content wrapping paper, use popcorn for packing and reuse your packing materials. You can also use reused, and reusable, boxes, baskets, bags and tins. Old cards can be recycled into creative gift tags. If you are entertaining, send invitations on recycled paper, buy in bulk, and use reusable dishes and utensils. If you need paper products, buy products made from recycled paper. Set up an area to recycle cans, bottles and other recyclables at your holiday party.

Try to be creative in using reusable materials for your gift-wraps. Make it a holiday tradition in your home to be creative while saving the environment.